With school starting this week, a new state law and warnings from Colorado State Patrol aim to keep kids safe on the roads.

School’s back, and that means the yellow buses are too. But as the wheels on the bus go round, Colorado State Patrol wants to make sure you don’t blow past them—literally.

Starting August 6, as thousands of students return to classrooms, Colorado drivers are being reminded of the serious legal and safety risks of ignoring stopped school buses. And this year, there’s a new law on the books making the rules even clearer—and stricter.

The New Rule That Could Save a Child’s Life

You’d think it’s common sense—don’t pass a stopped school bus, especially when its red lights are flashing and that little stop sign arm swings out. But not everyone’s been following that rule, apparently.

A new state law passed on May 24 now makes it absolutely clear: Drivers in both directions must stop for school buses when those red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended—unless a physical barrier or grassy median divides the roadway.

And that part about “both directions”? That’s what’s tripping people up.

Even if you’re going the opposite way, you still have to stop—unless there’s a median or something that actually separates the two sides.

Just one sentence here: Painted lines don’t count.

According to Sgt. Ivan Alvarado of the Colorado State Patrol, the goal is pretty simple: “One crash is too many when it comes to a school bus, when it comes to kids.”

Stop Means Stop, Not Slow Down and Sneak By

CSP isn’t messing around with definitions either. They’ve laid it out plainly: If you see a school bus stopped with flashing red lights, stop at least 20 feet before you reach it.

That’s not a suggestion—it’s the law.

And it doesn’t matter whether:

• The bus is on your side of the road,

• The opposite side,

• Or even stopped at an intersection.

If those red lights are flashing, you stop. End of story.

Drivers also must remain stopped until the lights stop flashing. Not when the bus doors close. Not when the kids are “mostly” across. When the lights go off.

And yeah, even then, CSP says it’s smart to stay alert. Kids don’t always look both ways. Drivers need to.

Why It Matters: Just Look at the Numbers

You might be wondering: “Do people really ignore school buses like that?” Sadly, yes.

In 2024, CSP issued 15 citations to drivers who failed to stop for school buses. And in just the first half of 2025? Nine more already.

It’s not just about numbers, though. Each one of those citations is a moment that could’ve ended in tragedy.

Let’s put it in perspective with a quick comparison:

That trend’s going up. And it’s no coincidence that CSP is speaking out louder this year.

Real-Life Consequences for Real People

This isn’t just about tickets and fines.

Failing to stop for a school bus isn’t just illegal—it’s dangerous. One distracted moment and you could hit a child crossing the road. No one wants that on their conscience.

CSP officers say they’ve had far too many close calls. They’ve seen drivers zip past buses at full speed while a kid is stepping off the bottom stair.

One short, sharp line: You do not want to be that driver.

And in Colorado, that kind of mistake doesn’t just cost you money—it could cost you your license or even land you in court.

Back-to-School Means Back to Bus Routes

The timing of all this isn’t accidental. Most District 51 schools—along with many others across the state—are kicking off the academic year on August 6.

That means school buses will be rolling through neighborhoods, stopping at corners, and loading up kids across the state.

Some drivers aren’t used to seeing them during summer. That’s part of the issue.

According to CSP, the return of school traffic requires a mindset shift from every driver.

So here’s what they’re telling the public loud and clear:

• Slow down in school zones.

• Stop for school buses, no matter what direction you’re going.

• Stay alert, even after the bus pulls away.

It sounds easy. But the reality on the road? Not everyone’s paying attention.

Not Just the Law—It’s Common Sense

Sure, the law says you must stop. But beyond the rules, it’s just basic decency.

These kids are 5, 6, 7 years old. They’re unpredictable. They run. They forget. They don’t always check for traffic.

So the burden falls on adults to protect them.

Sgt. Alvarado puts it bluntly: “At the end of the day, these kids are our future. And if we can’t slow down to keep them safe, then what are we even doing?”

Sometimes, that one sentence is all it takes.